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'I’m nice and friendly’: Sydney man shot dead by police was trying to turn his life around

A Sydney man who was shot by police outside Central Station on Wednesday was trying to turn his life around, describing himself as “nice and friendly”.

The tagline on Thai immigrant Danukul Mokmool's Facebook profile claims he was “nice and friendly” and continued, “My looks might confuse you, but my heart is pure".

After battling drug addiction and severe mental illness, the 30-year-old was reportedly dedicated to his recovery, studying at TAFE and going to a church for reformed criminals in his final months.

How the former prison inmate wound up dead outside one of Australia’s busiest train stations will now form part of a major investigation.

His half-brother, Charlie Huynh, told Fairfax Mr Mokmool may have been suffering severe hallucinations when he left the family's Heckenberg home in southwest Sydney.

Danukul Mokmool was shot dead by police outside Central Station on Wednesday night. Source: Facebook
Danukul Mokmool was shot dead by police outside Central Station on Wednesday night. Source: Facebook
He described himself as a ‘nice and friendly guy’. Source: Twitter
He described himself as a ‘nice and friendly guy’. Source: Twitter

"If he has something on his mind he will disappear and he ended up in the city, I guess," Mr Huynh said.

As commuters made their way through the Eddy Avenue entrance, the Thai immigrant found himself outside the station entrance threatening a florist with scissors and broken glass.

  • Pictured: Man shot by police at Central Station identified as Danukul Mokmool

  • 'Police had no choice': Florist defends officers' decision to shoot Sydney man 'armed with scissors'

  • Shocking moment man armed with scissors is shot by NSW police

Three Police Transport Command officers, two uniformed and one in plain clothes, responded to cries from panicked commuters instantly.

Footage soon surfaced showing Mr Mokmool running at a plain-clothes officer before four shots were fired, hitting the assailant and causing fatal wounds to the head and chest.

Central Station florist Manuel Theoharis was at his shop about 6.30pm when Mr Mokmool allegedly grabbed him from behind and threatened him with a bottle.

He had been battling drug addiction for some years, his brother says. Source: Twitter
He had been battling drug addiction for some years, his brother says. Source: Twitter

Former gangster Tony Hoang, who now runs a church largely populated by reformed criminals said Mr Mokmool was dedicated to improving himself since the day he walked out of prison.

"There were periods and pockets of him doing well while coming to church and getting some structure in life," he said.

"I always tried to cast that vision of a changed life, that he could do it if he chose. But he had some mental issues going on. He was seeing things and experiencing these supernatural experiences."

He was shot four times and witnesses can be heard screaming as he collapses to the ground. Photo: Facebook
He was shot four times and witnesses can be heard screaming as he collapses to the ground. Photo: Facebook

Pepper spray was used during the incident, Fairfax reports, but it proved ineffective and Tasers were not drawn.

A report is being prepared for the coroner as what looms as a lengthy investigation gets underway.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800